Our Mission Statement

Our firm strives to help the client understand and navigate the family law process. We recognize that at times this can be a very emotional experience. We will help you through these procedures with dignity and respect. We fully appreciate the value of mediation and negotiation as a way of our clients taking charge of the outcomes of their cases. While we recognize the benefits of resolving matters in a manner that limits the natural contentiousness associated with litigation, we are always zealous advocates for our clients.

Attorney Berid and Schutzbank, like finely tuned instruments, are excellent litigators and skilled negotiators. Our experience shows that one should never be afraid of litigation, but settlement achieved through negotiation better assists our clients’ results on their most important priorities. Settlement before trial produces the best results while avoiding the high emotional and financial costs of trial.

Both Attorney Berid and Schutzbank are skilled mediators in the area of family law, and are always willing to work with couples who want to work together to resolve their differences in a neutral supportive setting.

In addition to our traditional family law practice, we engage in Collaborative Law, where the parties and attorneys agree to work together in a team-like setting from the outset to settle the case before the involvement of the Court. While this method is not appropriate for all cases, it offers a very positive method of resolving problems for those clients who are committed to exchange relevant information and negotiate in good faith. In the Collaborative Law process, both clients must be willing to participate in this less combative approach, and both attorneys should be trained in its use.